Portuguese EN 9th grade: Phonological processes
Phonological processes are changes or transformations in the sounds of a language that occur in speech.
They explain how sounds change in words or sentences while keeping the meaning.
Insertion of Segments
Sounds are added to a word.
Prothesis: A sound is added at the beginning of the word. ex: scutu → escudo
Epenthesis: A sound is added in the middle of the word. ex: humile → humilde
Paragoge: A sound is added at the end of the word. ex: ante → antes
Deletion of Segments
Sounds are removed from a word.
Apheresis: A sound is removed at the beginning of the word. ex: acumen → gume
Syncope: A sound is removed in the middle of the word. ex: rivu → rio
Apocope: A sound is removed at the end of the word. ex: amore → amor
Change of Segments
The quality or position of a sound changes in a word.
Assimilation: Nearby sounds become similar or identical. ex: nostru → nosso
Dissimilation: Similar sounds become different. ex: lilio → lírio
Vowel reduction: A vowel weakens (from stressed to unstressed syllable). ex: festa → festejo
Metathesis: A sound or syllable changes position. ex: feria → feira
Did you know?